Macaroni Salad Recipe (2024)

By Stacy Williams February 19, 2024

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Looking for the most amazing macaroni salad recipe? Look no further! This easy to follow recipe will take you on a flavorful journey with every bite. 🥗🧀💕 Perfect for potlucks, picnics and any other fun food gatherings!

I have a serious love affair with summer aside from the Texas heat. That heat does make me want to hibernate inside with the a/c when temps reach three digits. Unfortunately, I have a life so that means things like family fishing trips, BBQ’s and more during those blazing summer days.

When temps are that hot, I don’t want to eat anything that is heavy and hot which means we make a lot of easy summer recipes instead. This easy macaroni salad recipe is one of them and truthfully; it’s one of my favorite side dish recipes hands down. Its the perfect combo of flavors and has the creaminess that everyone wants in a pasta salad.

What is Macaroni Salad Made Of?

Macaroni salad recipes come in different styles, but they all typically have some of the same macaroni salad ingredients in common. This particular recipe is made of elbow macaroni, carrots, white or red onion, celery, mayo, fresh herbs and other seasonings. This is a fantastic recipe to try making homemade mayonnaise if you have never made your own.

Some people also add things like Dijon mustard, bell pepper, sweet pickles and even peas to theirs, but I’ve never seen a real need. If you do add bell pepper, be sure to use only red bell peppers as green are typically a bit too pungent while red adds a sweeter taste.

If you add peas to yours, please don’t invite me over. I can’t stand the mushy little buggers when they’re cooked.

Should Pasta Be Cold Before Adding Mayo?

Yes. If your making pasta salad recipes that call for mayo, especially one like this mac salad recipe, always be sure to allow the pasta to cool completely before you toss the pasta in mayo.

Mayo is oil based and when it is heated, it has a tendency to separate. What you’re left with is part oil and part egg ick. This will give you a less than desirable final product.

How Far in Advance Can You Make Macaroni Salad?

Personally, I would not make any pasta salad, but especially a macaroni salad, more than 48-hours ahead of time. While it is true that the longer the pasta sits in the macaroni salad dressing, the more the flavors will blend, much longer than two days and you’re risking mushy pasta and even potential spoilage.

24-hours ahead is more ideal. This gives the dressing ingredients time to develop their flavor better, but isn’t a risk for spoilage or changes to your pasta.

How to Store Macaroni Salad

However, with that said, macaroni salad will last approximately 5-7 days if stored correctly. To store, place the macaroni salad in a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge.

If you prefer not to use plastic wrap, you can use another container. Just be sure it has an airtight lid to keep the dish from drying out too much.

Can You Freeze Macaroni Salad?

Some pasta dishes do very well in the freezer, but unfortunately, macaroni salad is not one of them. Due to the mayo in the recipe, freezing the prepared pasta salad is not a good option. Instead, make fresh and consume within 5-7 days.